Reconditioned Pacemakers Get a Second Chance to Save Lives

Arrhythmia Alliance Pace4Life Press Release 

Arrhythmia Alliance Pace4Life (A-A P4L) is celebrating the release of study results from our partner, The University of Michigan’s My Heart Your Heart (MHYH) program. The findings highlight how some pacemakers can provide a second chance at life, showcasing the impact of the A-A P4L program. 

A randomized trial conducted by MHYH of 300 patients compared previously used and new pacemakers in patients and found the reconditioned devices were as safe and effective as new pacemakers. This news potentially offers affordable options for patients in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). This was the finding of late-breaking science presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2024. 

A-A P4L works in collaboration with MHYH and the University of Michigan with an FDA approved research program to recondition and sterilize explanted pacemakers with more than five years battery life. MHYH leads this research, A-A P4L provides many of the devices (currently several thousand are being shipped from the UK to the USA) to be reconditioned and then use these in our missions in LMIC. 

This announcement will lead to the possibility of greater expansion of the approval to use the devices that are reconditioned in countries where the vast majority of the population have no access to these lifesaving devices. A-A P4L looks forward to continuing working with MHYH and providing lifesaving care. 

“A-A P4L is excited about this breaking news from MHYH. The ability to save a life and reduce waste in our landfills is a win-win. We are doing our part for the environment and most importantly enabling people less fortunate than us to also access treatment.” – Trudie Lobban, MBE, Founder of Arrhythmia Alliance 

About A-A P4L 

Arrhythmia Alliance Pace4Life (A-A P4L) is a charity that donates cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) such as pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) to people in need in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). These patients would otherwise be unable to afford and/or access these lifesaving devices. We source CIEDs, identify viable clinics in LMIC, and set up programs at these clinics. We also facilitate the training of medical personnel, organize implant missions, and provide ongoing online support to those programs.